Color match for fair skin / Application methods

[Kat]

I have purchased a sample foundation (medium coverage) kit plus ebony to mix. I was pretty sure that ebony would be right for me based on the description, but it turned out too pink. After having read a bit on this forum, I figured I should also have purchased a sample of warm gold to balance out the pink - is that correct? Now I'm a bit disencouraged as I live far far away and (probably?) have to pay another $5 to get a dollar's worth of warm gold to figure out if this foundation is for me... Would it maybe be possible to give a little more information in the shopping interface on mixing and matching skin tone? This forum has a lot of great tips, but not everyone find their way in here!

[JenW]

Can I ask what ratio you used? Too pink in your foundation could also be an indication of too dark. Many of the hints on the website need to be updated to inclue the Medium and Heavy Coverage foundations. If you are fair, we have super fair gals that are at a 1:16 ratio.

[mgmsrk]

Like Jen suggested it could be still a bit too dark. I use mostly ebony with just a touch of gold for my coloring, I have just updated my ratio to reflect my fading tan (HA HA). I first mix 1 scoop of gold with 8 scoops of ivory than I mix 1 ebony with 18 scoops of ivory and add 2 scoops of the gold mix. Try adding some more ivory, if that doesn’t work PM me I’ll send you some gold.

[piccola_donna]

You know i never though of myself as being particularly pale until i came on these forums. It's strange i've never had any trouble getting foundation light enough. And my sister is so much paler than me. I think she would be about 25:1. Seriously.

I'm at 16:1 and i think it is still a little dark for me, so i should add a little more white, but it looks ok. The process of getting to this mix was very very very very long, 'cos i kept underestimating how much white i would need. You should add more white. When i was starting i though the silk naturals foundation colours were horrible because it looked so orange on me (using warm gold). But once i had more white it was fine.

Having said that though, i find that the single colours on their own are very... extreme. I'm very warm toned, but i had to add ebony to my mix because warm gold on it's own was TOO warm.

Don't feel discouraged. I took me ages to get my mix the way it is now (really- three orders, and about five months), but it was worth it. The foundation is lovely now.

[Kat]

Thank you for your replies! I had mixed 16 scoops ivory and 2 scoops ebony and felt I had reached the correct lightness. Now I put in another 4 scoops of white, and it seems to be a good fit for my skin tone (less pink). I'll wear it for a bit and see how it feels and looks! Thanks again for your pointers, it sure is a bit tricky when you have never tried foundation mixing before!

[JenW]

I am glad it looks better. Your 2:16 is really a 1:8 and in the light range. Now you are more at a 1:10 wich is gettin a little fairer. Fair would probably fall at a 1:10-12. I hope it works, and definitely let us know!

[Kat]

Hi! Reporting back after using my foundation mix for two weeks. I'm very satisfied with the color! Also, with this foundation (and the Juice Beauty skin care line) I have stopped using artificial preservatives on my face, and my skin has cleared up (I had some acne along my jaw line). This is sooo great! Hope it lasts.

I used to use liquid foundation which I felt was very easy to put on - I just applied with my fingers. I find that I'm using a bit more time with the mineral foundation (and a kabuki brush). I usually start with my chin (some acne scarring to cover), then my cheeks, forehead and nose. In the directions I believe it says to start at the jaw and work in to the center of the face. My instinct is to blend outwards to prevent lining. And how much blending do you guys do? I think I spend a bit too much time working it into my skin in circular motion.

Basically I'd like to put on my foundation super-quick in the morning - any good tips?

[JenW]

I start in the middle and work outward. Usually my eye area and forhead first, then the lower half of my face. I don't really buff all that much. Also, it does get quicker with practice. I also use a swirly bowl to load my brush pretty evenly. That seems to help some.

[mgmsrk]

I probably do spend a bit more time putting on my mineral foundation than I would with regular liquid or powder, but that is mostly because I really like the way the brush feels on my skin. I start at the jaw and outer edges of my face and buff inwards, I do one or two times around normally and than do my concealer I follow that with one light coat than on to perfecting powder.

[lcash]

IMHO, it is easier to put on the mmu foundation evenly than liquid, and I don't get the "I'm wearing mud" feeling. Liquids always ended up looking splotchy color-wise; the only way to get even color was to slather it on really thick, which raised heck with my complexion. Didn't matter if I used $5 or $50 foundation - same thing. With the medium finish, I start with cheeks, eyes and nose, then along jaw and hairline. I don't do much "buffing"- just enough so the color is even and smooth. I also use a "swirly bowl" to load the brush - heavier the first time for the middle of the face, lighter for the "edges". Then I top it off with a light dusting of Date Bait (new mini kabuki is great for that), eyemakeup, and lippie. Unless I go with more than two es colors, the mmy takes an average of 5 minutes. Eyeliner and multiple es add to that time since they require a little more precision. I've started spritzing with a GOOD mister (rather than a fire hose or a spitting cobra) to set it and really like the effect. I tried "buffing" with another major brand and ended up with dry, stinging cheeks, followed by little white bumps. No thanks! I'm all for soft brushes and the gentle approach. Lauren